The taking over of the two agencies' assets is following the move to make MMEA the single maritime enforcement agency in the country.

"The vessels will undergo maintenance at their respective agencies prior to being handed over to the MMEA," he told reporters after opening the International Search and Rescue Conference and Exhibition here today.

Royal Malaysian Custom's boat (photo : Nauticexpo)

The taking over, however, will not include 23 jetties which will continue to be used by other agencies.

Mohd Amdan said it would be up to the personnel of the two agencies to decide whether to join the MMEA or remain with their existing organisations.

"There aren't many personnel from the two agencies joining us; but we are ready to undertake the task of enforcing maritime laws within the country's 614,000 sq km waters," he said.

On the three-day conference, Mohd Amdan said, it was to exchange information on security matters in the country's water with officials from Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, India, Indonesia and New Zealand.